RHAM proposes to introduce water education in Malawi schools

Rainwater Harvesting Association of Malawi (RHAM) is proposing to introduce water education in both primary and secondary schools to enlighten children about rainwater harvesting by the end of this year.

RHAM Secretary General Macpherson Nthara disclosed during the 2013 National Rainwater Harvest Stakeholders Conference in Lilongwe on Wednesday that rainwater harvesting can reach many people through school children because they can influence the behaviour of their parents.

“These children will be growing up with the knowledge of rainwater harvesting in their mind which can eventually be part of their culture,” he added.

Malawi is experiencing increased depletion and degradation of some of its water resources over many years, therefore, rainwater harvesting is one of the interventions which the communities can embrace to achieve improved agricultural productivity and potable water.

Teaching the next generation all about water

In schools, he said, children will be asked to do activities like reciting poems and join school competitions to win various prizes.Nthara said the association will identify 25 schools, 20 primary schools and 5 secondary schools in Dedza and Lilongwe as pilot and will roll out to other districts later.

The association will look for partners like World Vision and Teachers Training Colleges (TTC’s) to help in the concept.